International Students

Dear International Student,

Congratulations on your decision to join thousands of international students studying and doing research in Canada!

Canadian universities consistently rank among the best in the world, while Canada is continually rated one of the best countries in the world in which to live. Students studying in Canada invariably return home academically strong, with fond memories of their student years.

As many students will attest, Canada offers a wonderful cross-cultural experience, which able to assist you with second-language development and to foster a solid network of international connections to last a lifetime.

Known for tolerance and our welcoming nature, Canada is characterized by a vibrant, inclusive culture that draws strength from the many immigrant groups that have made our country their home. We thank you for choosing Canada, and welcome the contribution you will make during your time with us.

As you prepare to embark on your Canadian academic adventure, we wish you the best of luck and hope you enjoy our country to the fullest.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

1. International Student Application for Admission

Your file will be opened after the following items have been received in the original/scanned/faxed version:

The applicant should have Grade 12 Diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate.

A complete International Student course application form

A copy of a photo ID – passport front page is preferable

Official academic documents

Brief resume/CV.

Basic Proficiency in English for non English Programs. The applicant must provide photocopied proof of the highest academic level (certificate, diploma, or degree as well as their academic transcript). All academic documents must be notarized or certified English translations

CDN $500 non-refundable International Student Application fee.

Overview

Canada is most famous for its natural beauty. To many in other countries, the word “Canada” evokes images of wide-open spaces, dramatic mountains, pristine forests and majestic lakes.

Canada is also known as a modern, progressive nation with open-minded citizens. We are a multicultural society with two official languages, English and French, and are proud of our ethnic diversity.

Canadians are widely regarded as friendly, polite, well-educated, interesting and healthy. We enjoy a very high standard of living—Canada has consistently ranked among the top 10 countries in the United Nations Quality of Life Index since 2004.

Language

Canada has two official languages, English and French. In 2011, approximately 5.8 million Canadians reported being able to conduct a conversation in both of Canada’s official languages, making up about 17.5 percent of the Canadian population. All federal government institutions and many businesses offer bilingual services.

Chinese dialects are the third most common native language in Canada, followed by Panjabi (Punjabi), Spanish, Arabic and Tagalog. The most common Aboriginal languages are Cree, Inuktitut and Innu/Montagnais

Overview of Canadian visa procedures

You must apply for a study permit if your main reason for coming to Canada is to study for more than six months. Before you can apply for a study permit, you must have been accepted at a school, university or college in Canada. You can apply for a study permit online, or by submitting your application form to the Canadian visa office that serves the country or region in which you live.

If you are from the United States, Saint Pierre and Miquelon or Greenland, you can apply at the point of entry when you arrive in Canada.

You must also have a passport that is valid for the entire duration of your studies in Canada. If the validity is shorter, you must request a study permit extension.

The Study section of the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website will provide you with information on:

Preparing to study

what is needed before applying for a study permit in Canada

Determining eligibility

who can apply and what exceptions exist

Applying for a study permit

how to apply and what documents to provide with an application

downloading the application package

paying application fees and submitting an application

Checking processing times

information that is updated weekly and indicates the time (in calendar days) it takes to process an application after a complete application package is received

After applying

what to do after applying for a study permit

Preparing for arrival

what documents may be required when entering Canada

ESSENTIAL: Apply as soon as you receive your Letter of acceptance.

If attending an educational institution for six months or more in the Province of Quebec, you must also obtain a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).

Applying for a CAQ

Submit an application to the Quebec regional office responsible for the territory in which your educational institution is located.

Quebec Immigration Services require the following to process your CAQ:

A completed CAQ application form

A photocopy of your letter of acceptance; keep the original for Canadian immigration